Below are some of the common questions that people ask about us about kettlebell training.

01

What are Kettlebells?

A ‘kettlebell’ or girya (Russ.ian) is a traditional Russian cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle. As the 1986 Soviet Weightlifting Yearbook put it, “It is hard to find a sport that has deeper roots in the history of our people than kettlebell lifting.” So popular were kettlebells in Tsarist Russia that any strongman or weightlifter was referred to as a girevik, or ‘a kettlebell man.’ “Not a single sport develops our muscular strength and bodies as well as kettlebell athletics,” wrote Ludvig Chaplinskiy in the Russian magazine Hercules in 1913. The Russian Special Forces personnel owe much of their wiry strength, lethal agility, and never-quitting stamina to kettlebells. “Soldier, Be Strong!,” the official Soviet armed forces strength training manual pronounced kettlebell drills to be “one of the most effective means of strength development” representing “a new era in the development of human strength-potential.”

02

What type of people use kettlebells?

People from all walks of life use kettlebells. From office workers and housewives to firefighters and military, people of all types use kettlebells to increase their level of fitness, lose fat, get a physical edge in athletics or physically demanding professions, get stronger, or just feel physically better in general. You can too!

03

Do I need special training to use a kettlebell?

It is always best when first starting out with kettlebells to get some training with a certified instructor. Two or three one on one sessions or attending a workshop will really get you off to the right start.

04

Can women train with kettlebells? I don't want to get bulky.

Absolutely! There are tremendous benefits to women with kettlebell training. Kettlebells give you quicker results and more challenging exercises in a shorter amount of time all the while improving your cardio and strength. You will realize that you're stronger than you thought, your posture will improve, you'll have an easier time performing daily activities through all the functional movements with the kettlebell.

05

What is Kettlebell Sport?

Today, kettlebell sport, also known as Girevoy Sport (GS), is a power/strength-endurance sport that requires athletes to work under a submaximal load, completing as many kettlebell lift repetitions as possible in a set time frame of ten minutes. The sport is now contested worldwide, with organizations such as the International Union of Kettlebell Lifting (IUKL), the World Kettlebell Club (WKC), the American Kettlebell Club (AKC), the International Kettlebell & Fitness Federation (IKFF), & the Canadian Kettlebell Sport Federation (CKSF) among others.

There are 3 main events/disciplines in kettlebell sport; (i) the jerk, (ii) the long cycle clean & jerk, and (iii) the snatch. The jerk requires the athlete to clean two kettlebells to the chest once, and then jerk them overhead as many times as possible. The long cycle clean & jerk requires the athlete to clean both kettlebells prior to each jerk. The snatch, which is the only event that uses one kettlebell, is performed by swinging the kettlebell between the legs and brought up to the overhead position in one uninterrupted motion. The athlete is only allowed to switch hands once during the time frame. Professionals compete in weight categories using 32 kg kettlebell(s) for men, and women using 24 kg kettlebell(s). Each event is tested for maximal repetitions in the ten minute time frame without setting the kettlebells down. A judge is assigned to each athlete to ensure that only proper repetitions are counted. Because the athlete cannot set the kettlebell(s) down, efficient technique must be used to last the entire ten minutes, which makes the mechanics of the movements much different than hardstyle.

06

Can I try it out to see if I like it before I commit?

Absolutely! In fact That is the ONLY way we do things. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation with a coach. Please give us a call so we can get to know you, 804.517.5174 OR 804.615.9987.

07

Can I bring a friend?

Definitely! … Not only can you bring a friend, you absolutely should bring a friend! The highest compliment you can give us is to refer your friends and family. Word of mouth referrals from happy campers is a huge part of what keeps our small business growing better and better. Because of that WE REWARD our students for referring other people to class by giving "kettle kash" on your next class purchase.

08

What do I bring to the kettlebell class?

You will NEED:- A water bottle and sweat towel and appropriate clothing. Wear comfortable, soft, loose clothing that allows you to move, but not so baggy that it makes it difficult for the coach to properly analyze your posture and technique during movements. Also wear shoes with flat sole.

09

How muCh does it cost? How does the payment system work?

Currently we offer complete 1, 3 and 6-12 month programs in which we cover everything you need to know in order to get the best results possible from your fitness program. Some students come to us for individual instruction and personal training and we also have students that meet with us anywhere from 2-5 times/week in group kettlebell classes depending on their goals, motivation, and budget.

But all programs are generally a 3-6 month initial commitment and the investment runs anywhere from $100 to $160 a month depending on which options you choose and what’s best for you.

If you become a part of the Girya Garage, you will be billed monthly, like a gym membership. This is setup to happen automatically each month, so that you do not have to worry about handing us a check each month and we can focus on making the class the best it can possibly be.

10

What if I have to miss a class or several classes?

We understand that things come up sometimes. It is important for you to be committed and only miss a class when it is absolutely necessary, otherwise you won’t get the results.